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Creating a Ditch Bag

No one likes to think about the boat going down, but be prepared with creating a ditch bag.No one likes to think about the boat sinking, but if it ever happens, being prepared can make a difference in your chances for survival. Professional traveling crews almost always have a ditch bag within reach when making long crossings. I always put together my own ditch bag because there are certain things that I want to make sure I can access and use to stay alive for extended periods. I’m sure I won’t need to wait a week or more for a rescue, but if I do have to wait, I’m living by the motto: “Don’t just survive — start a colony!”

Here are some must-have items to consider including in your ditch bag, in addition to the obligatory life raft and provisions, in case of emergency:

ACR high-visibility floating bag

Water-activated strobe lights

First aid kit and QuickClot kit

Hydrogen peroxide

VHF and hand-held GPS

Universal solar charger with adaptors

Hand-crank flashlight

Waterproof flashlight

Flare kit

Cyalume sticks

Compass

Signal mirror and whistle

Dye markers

Buffs

Sunglasses

Sunblock

Anti-nausea medications

Waterproof tackle box

Diamond jigs

Gulp minnows

Hooks, line, leader and sinkers

Blunt-tipped knife

Leatherman tool

Super Glue

Bungee cords

Rubber bands

Thermos

Solar condensation water still

Imodium

Potassium pills

Chamois

Bug repellent

Thermal blanket

Hand pump

Tarp (white or orange, not blue)

Folding bucket

Zip-top bags

Small cutting board

Crab trap line

Cable ties

Funnel

Antibacterial soap

Toothbrush and toothpaste

Small swimming goggles

That might seem like a lot of stuff, but when it’s time to hit the water or the beach in some out-of-the-way spot, you’ll be glad you packed away a little extra gear.